Book review : Tribes by Seth Godin

I have always been a big fan of Seth Godin. He is a master in using the right words to get a message across. Never too many words, just the right words and straight to the heart and the mind.
Tribes is about how we connect with other people and how groups are formed. To create a group we need leaders. These leaders are not necessarily hierarchical leaders, but they need to be inspirational leaders. People we believe in. People with a message that goes straight to the heart.

What are tribes ? 

• tribes are something to believe in. Do you believe in the organization you are working for ? 
• tribes are groups of partisans (small or big) gathered around a leader. Without a leader, tribes become a bunch of people
• tribes have a mutual destiny, believe, purpose, ...
• Tribes often arise to make a difference. To fill in a gap or need. 

Tribes need leaders, not managers !

Godin makes a clear difference between managers and leaders. 

• Leaders have followers. Managers have employees.
• Leaders make a change, they make the difference between status quo and moving forward. Managers make 'things' (products, services, ...)
• Leaders kick ass. Managers try to control things and remain stability. 
• Leadership is a natural thing. Management is a job role in which you are appointed.
• Leaders dare to decide. (see also my previous blogpost on 'no guts no glory - take decisions now)

React - Reply - Initiate

Reacting is a what many politicians do. They say things based on their intuition. Reacting is communication without being constructive.

Replying is getting into dialogue. Based on what has been said, you reply, give your opinion. This is already a level higher than reacting. 

Initiating is the highest level. True leaders initiate. They don't wait until things happen. They take the initiative and bring ideas to the world.  

Sheepwalking

I love the word sheepwalking. Organizations often hire people who draw between the lines. Nice people who don't get you any problems. People who obey and follow the rules. 

Fine ! BUT DON'T EXPECT THESE PEOPLE TO BE THE INNOVATORS WHO BUILD YOUR FUTURE !!!!

If you want true innovators, don't hire sheepwalkers. Hire people who dare to turn things upside down. People who look at things from a different angle and who dare to speak up about their ideas. 

To conclude 

It is a great book. It took me less than a day to read it and it dazzled my mind. Love it. My advise : Go to the (online) bookstore now and buy it.